King & Country · First World War · FW067
A French infantryman stands beside a saddled horse, holding its reins. His red trousers and blue coat match King & Country’s early-war poilus. The riderless animal carries the saddle and equipment, while the soldier retains his own infantry kit. No mounted general is included.
Horses remained essential to an army that was also adopting motor vehicles, aircraft and wireless. Officers used them for movement, while far larger numbers hauled guns and supplies. Looking after a mount was therefore ordinary military work, not merely a picturesque pause. The set shows the supporting labor behind the more familiar mounted-command portrait.
Review
The horse is the centerpiece, with the attendant supplying a clear reason for its being there. I like the contrast between the animal’s warm coloring and the soldier’s dark coat. It is a useful subject in its own right, though collectors seeking a named general should recognize that this release provides his horse and handler.
Reference: FW067 release reference. Review observations are based on the product reference photographs.
Related figures: FW061 · General Foch · FW064 · Marching Poilus.
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